Cool Creek Seedlings
Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis)
Description
Latin: Osmunda regalis
Zones: 2-8
Other Common Name: Royal Fern
Mature Height: 2-3 ft.
Soil/Climate: Favors acidic, damp soils and bogs, but adapts to a variety of conditions. Prevers part to full shade.
Notes: Found along ledges and banks of streams, close to in in the water.
Wild Life: Royal Ferns, especially in colonies, offer protective cover for various small mammals and birds. Their dense growth also contributes to soil stabilization in wet areas, preventing erosion and improving water quality, which benefits the overall ecosystem. While not a primary food source for many animals, the fern's foliage can be consumed by some insects and invertebrates.